Alexander Hernandez scored a stunning knockout as the short-notice fill-in knocked out top-10 lightweight Beneil Dariush in the first minute of the bout at UFC 222.
Alexander Hernandez stepped in on short notice to replace Bobby Green in this lightweight bout at UFC 222. Prior to entering the UFC, the Ohana Academy product was 8-1 with five stoppages. The Texas native’s gym is not the home to any UFC fighters, but Alexander Hernandez put the gym on the map tonight.
Beneil Dariush is a very talented Iranian-born lightweight who is winless in his last two fights. Dariush started his Octagon career at 8-2 including a five-fight win streak, and is a staple in the top 10 of the division. Wins over James Vick and Jim Miller highlight his Octagon run, but most recently he’s been stopped by Edson Barboza in stunning fashion and went to a draw with veteran Evan Dunham. The win over the now-surging Vick was especially impressive, as he knocked out the lanky lightweight who’s now rising through the rankings with a beautiful overhand right back in 2016.
Alexander Hernandez started dirty with a front kick as Dariush was looking for the glove touch to start the contest. That set the tone though, as Hernandez did not let Dariush breathe. Hernandez pressured Dariush with heavy hands and speed, then caught him with a beautiful left hand and Dariush was out cold.
Hernandez referred to Dariush as a stepping stone and let the crowd know that they won’t forget his name anytime soon. Beneil Dariush had a secure spot in the rankings and took a risk to stay on UFC 222. That risk did not pay off, as he’ll surely fall from the rankings as he is winless in his last three fights now.
Alexander Hernandez def. Beneil Dariush by Knockout (Left Straight) in Round 1 (0:42)
